NOAA's Seasonal Outlook for Winter '24/'25 Isn't Ideal

It's August, and that means skiers are doing one of two things: participating in an outdoor activity not as fun as skiing, or looking at long-range winter weather forecasts. Today, we're doing the latter.

Let's get to it. Check out the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Seasonal Temperature and Precipitation Outlooks for the months of December, 2024-February, 2025.

NOAA is sticking with their prediction that La Niña will occur during Winter '24/'25 in these Seasonal Outlooks. In keeping with the trend, NOAA is forecasting a strong chance for below average temperatures and above average precipitation for the Pacific Northwest.

As any skier knows, colder temperatures and heavier storms are an ideal recipe for a fantastic season. Based on the images above, the opposite can be said for our friends in New England. NOAA is showing a strong chance for above average temperatures and above average precipitation. This could mean an uptick in rain events throughout the season.

Long range forecasts are subject to change, but let's take a look at how NOAA believes the rest of the winter season will shake out. Check out the Seasonal Outlooks for the months of February, 2025-April 2025. See below.

There's a slight shift in the pattern between the two Outlooks, but the larger trends appear to stay the same. If NOAA's predictions are to occur, the Southwest and Northeast will experience poor ski seasons while the Northwest and Northern Rockies will enjoy cold temperatures and blower powder.

The middle of the country, including the interior Rockies (Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming), is a mixed bag when it comes to NOAA's forecasts. Chances remain relatively neutral in terms of precipitation and temperature.

Take NOAA's predictions with a grain of salt. These models simply show the probability for departures from normal to occur. They aren't full-proof, and NOAA's predictions are likely to change in future updates.

Winter is coming, and the excitement is growing. Stay tuned in with us here at POWDER Magazine as the season approaches. We've got you covered.

Related: La Niña Winter '24/'25: Ski Resorts in the Bullseye

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